Somerfield and TM Retail’s joint c-store format could be rolled out to 200 TM Retail stores following trials, said trading director Paul Baxter.

The partners have seen a leap in sales as they prepare to open their seventh trial “Somerfield Martin’s” store in Redditch, he said.

Baxter said the two companies would decide whether to roll out the format at the end of the year, and the concept could be introduced in around 200 TM stores.

TM Retail is also planning to introduce a fuller fresh fruit and vegetable range in its McColls’ format stores after the trials.

Baxter said: “Non-Somerfield stores will benefit from the lessons we have learned on fresh and chilled food. We have a six-day delivery cycle and we have the knowledge, skills and confidence to replicate that.”

>>A marriage of convenience, p44

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